Primary components of a Solar System

1. Solar Panels

Solar modules, or solar panels capture the sun’s energy and convert it to electricity. Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells. When sunlight strikes a PV cell, it transfers part of the sun’s energy to the electrons in the atoms of the cell. The new found energy allows some of those electrons to escape from their normal position. The electrons then travel along the metal contacts in the solar panels creating a current of electricity. This electricity is collected and used.

2. Charge controller

The charge controller or regulator prevents overcharge which results in out-gassing of the batteries as well as keeping electrical storage in the batteries from discharging to the solar modules at night.

3. Battery

Batteries store the solar power generated and discharge the power as needed. The battery bank consists of one or more solar deep-cycle type batteries. The type of battery needed is specific to the type of application.

4. Inverter

The inverter changes the DC solar power into usable 240 volt AC electricity which is the most common type used by most household appliances and lighting.